Hearty Beef And Porcini Mushroom Tomato Sauce

Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped finely
• 2 -4 teaspoons dryed chili flakes (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dried porcini mushrooms (rinsed and soaked in hot water)
• 3/4 lb lean ground beef
• 3/4 lb ground lamb
• 2/3 cup 18% table cream (or use half and half cream)
• 3/4 cup red wine
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice (can use more to taste)
• 3 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, chopped (undrained)
• salt and black pepper

Recipe

• 1 heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
• 2 add in onions, carrots, celery and dried chili flakes; sauté for about 8 minutes adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes.
• 3 add in the tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
• 4 drain the porcini mushrooms (reserving the liquid).
• 5 add in mushrooms, beef and lamb; cook stirring with a wooden spoon until the meat is browned (the meat must be browned, about 10-12 minutes) drain fat.
• 6 add in cream; cook for about 5 minutes.
• 7 add in wine, reserved mushroom water and allspice; cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 8 add in the tomato sauce and stewed tomatoes with liquid; reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally (make certain to uncover the last hour or so of cooking to reduce and thicken the sauce).
• 9 season with salt and pepper to taste and add in a couple teaspoons sugar if needed.